Myanmar Junta Grants Amnesty to Over 6,100 Prisoners on Independence Day

Prisoner Releases Mark Independence Day

Bangkok, Jan 4: In a significant move, Myanmar's military government announced the release of more than 6,100 inmates and reduced sentences for others on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the nation's independence from British rule.

The release of prisoners, a customary practice during holidays and important events in Myanmar, commenced early in the day and is anticipated to take several days to finalize.

At the infamous Insein Prison in Yangon, known for housing political prisoners, families gathered at the entrance early in the morning, awaiting news.

State media reported that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the military regime, granted pardons to 6,134 individuals.

Additionally, a statement indicated that 52 foreign nationals would also be released and deported from Myanmar, although a detailed list of those freed has not been disclosed.

While many inmates received sentence reductions, those convicted of serious offenses such as murder and rape, or charged under various security laws, were excluded.

The terms of release stipulate that any freed individual who reoffends will have to serve the remainder of their original sentence alongside any new penalties.

It remains uncertain whether the released prisoners include the numerous political detainees imprisoned for opposing the military's authority.

This amnesty coincides with a month-long, three-phase election process initiated by the military government, which critics argue is merely a facade to legitimize their rule.

However, there is no indication that the release includes former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was ousted during the military coup in 2021 and has been largely isolated since.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organization that tracks political arrests and casualties, over 22,000 political detainees, including Suu Kyi, were incarcerated as of last Tuesday.

Many of these political prisoners face charges of incitement, a broadly applied offense used to silence government critics, punishable by up to three years in prison.

The 80-year-old Suu Kyi is currently serving a 27-year sentence following convictions that her supporters claim are politically motivated.

Myanmar was colonized by Britain in the late 19th century and regained its independence on January 4, 1948. The anniversary was commemorated in the capital, Naypyitaw, with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.